Saturday, April 3, 2010

Gameday Preview: Stars v. Houston Aeros

If you want to look at a picture of two teams on divergent paths, take a look at the Aeros and Stars since their last meeting on March 6th.

First, here's the part we know. Texas has been on fire since the beginning of March and has completed a 10-2-0-0 run since the Houston game on March 6th. At the time of the game, Texas was in 4th place in the West Division, but still held a sizable lead of 9 points on 5th place.

And who was in 5th place? That would be Houston Aeros. Since the same game, the Aeros are 2-4-1-3, gaining eight of a possible 16 points and dropping to last place in the division. Overall, it's been a season to forget for Aeros fans.

Texas holds a 8-1-0-1 record against the Aeros and must be thanking their lucky stars for the scheduling that gave them the last place team in the division 12 times on the schedule. The Stars have shelled the Aeros netminders Dubielewicz, Khudobin and Brust. Now there is a new one to add the the list: Kuemper. Darcy Kuemper is in the mix now because of season ending injurues to Josh Harding in Minnesota and Barry Brust. Khudobin is now backing up Backstrom in Minnesota while Wade Dubielewicz takes the majority of starts in Houston. Wade has not been very sparkly this year with a 12-14-1 record and a 2.72 GAA and .895 SV%. Usually 90% is that magical point where a goalie is at least considered decent. It's been a tough year for Dubie in Houston.

We know the rest of the players well. DiSalvatore, Daoust, and Noreau lead the Aeros in points this season, tied at 50. Noreau was just named to the AHL All-Star team. Otherwise, the Aeros do not have any call-ups to the NHL.

I am thinking Krahn gets a break tonight, and Bachman gets the start.

Tonight's game will also be broadcast on FOX Sports Southwest for those of you not going to the game or in other areas of the state.

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